Causes of Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is a disease that can be caused by several factors. The single, most prevalent cause of tooth decay is poor oral hygiene, although plaque is the precursor and prerequisite for tooth decay. Plaque will seek out the most vulnerable places in your mouth to form; therefore, poorly formed enamel and deep tooth crevices are the second most likely causes of plaque buildup and tooth decay. In essence, tooth demineralization is tooth decay. Plaque is merely the formation of bacteria on your teeth; however, the waste products that these bacteria produce are highly acidic. This acid engenders tooth demineralization, which is more commonly known as tooth decay. There are methods of preventing and reversing tooth decay, and when you visit our Northridge dentist you can be sure to see the end of toothaches, tooth decay and substandard dental service.

Another major cause of tooth decay is a poor diet, and substances that are high in carbohydrates quickly break down into bacteria. Today, these types of food are all too common, and need to be avoided if possible. Dry mouth conditions cause a break in the normal cycle of oral lubrication. Saliva is a major component of oral health as it inhibits the growth and proliferation of bacteria. Tooth grinding is also another major cause of tooth decay, and the stressful world that we live has caused this phenomena to become commonplace. If you have severe tooth decay, sometimes a root canal treatment is needed. Whatever the case, it is a problem that should be addressed immediately.